A MAN has been ordered to carry out a six month community order after pleading guilty to benefit fraud.

John Jones, formerly of Upland Road in Thornwood, failed to notify a change in his circumstances to Epping Forest District Council when claiming Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

Harlow Magistrates Court ordered him to pay prosecution costs of £100 to the council at the hearing on June 2.

He first began claiming benefit from the council in 2003 and signed several forms stating he knew he must inform the council of any changes in circumstance which may affected his entitlement.

But following a request from Mr Jones for re-housing, council officers visited his home in July 2008 and found out he shared the same surname with his landlord, but he denied they were related.

Further checks found out the landlord was his son and that both had purchased the property on April 26 2007 from the previous owner, for £295,000.

He was prosecuted for failing to notify the council of this change and his benefit was terminated.